London Horror: Eye for an Eye

The terrorist invoked the Torah’s principle “an eye for an eye” to justify his violence. He’s tragically misguided.

On a gray Wednesday afternoon in a quiet corner of southeast London, the unthinkable happened. Two Islamic terrorists – Nigerian-born convert to Islam, Michael Adeboloja, and an accomplice – brutally murdered a British soldier in broad daylight. They hacked at his body with knives and machetes, dragged his disfigured corpse into the street, then shouted jihadist messages as they posed for pictures. When the police arrived, the pair charged at them with meat cleavers, until police marksmen shot them.

The attack happened within hours of a confrontation with another alleged jihadist in Florida. Ibrahim Todashev, an associate of the Boston Marathon bombers, was shot and killed by FBI agents after he allegedly attacked them during questioning.

Terrorism experts are warning of a dangerous new threat: "self-radicalized" fanatic who comes to violence not by being recruited by a formal terrorist group, but independently. After reading and hearing extreme views – usually portraying international Islam as a battered, beleaguered identity, beset by enemies on all sides and in urgent need of violent defense – lone actors increasingly find online support in the form of a virtual community, and even instructions for how to plan assaults.

While it's too soon to know specifics of the London attackers, they were captured on video telling passers-by: "We swear by the almighty Allah." And while clutching a bloody knife, one terrorist shouted: "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth!"

Not the Literal Meaning

This formula found in the Hebrew Bible – "an eye for an eye" (Exodus 21:24, Leviticus 24:15) – is shocking to hear invoked by a vicious terrorist. Can these words really be used to justify violence?

In fact, the idea of "an eye for an eye" has long been used by Christians to paint the “Old Testament” – and by extension Jews and Judaism – as somehow bloodthirsty and harsh, more concerned with the letter-of-the-law than with mercy or compassion.

The truth is that the London attackers got it completely wrong, twisting this Jewish teaching on every level. And in doing so, they ironically showed how much the Jewish ideal of justice has to teach our violent, angry world today.

“Eye for an eye" refers to monetary compensation, commensurate with the value of what was lost.

In Jewish law, "eye for an eye" refers to monetary compensation, commensurate with the value of what was lost. The Talmud (Bava Kamma 84b) explains that when one has caused someone irreparable harm, one is obliged to reimburse – paying for their pain, their suffering, their medical bills, and for time lost to work.

During the times when the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, this law was applied by courts (not by individuals or vigilantes), and the system was transparent: everyone understood how much was being paid and why.

Yet today, the literal rendering of "Eye for an eye" has become enshrined in some systems of “justice.” For example, a court in Saudi Arabia recently sentenced one man who'd injured another to be paralyzed himself.

Yet if "eye for an eye" simply denotes monetary compensation, why does the Torah phrase it in such a provocative way? Why include language that's not meant to be interpreted literally?

The answer, as explained by the 20th century sage the Chazon Ish (Rabbi Avrohom Karelitz), is that many of the laws concerning criminal cases in ancient Israel are meant to teach core Jewish values of compassion and empathy. By equating monetary compensation to an actual injury, the Torah tells us that not everything can be easily undone. Even when we are obligated to repay the harm, we still have to understand the other person's pain and sense of loss.

This is a powerful lesson in the wake of the horrific London attack. For in contrast to the killer’s boast of an "eye for an eye," the true lesson of this phrase is the very opposite: to have more compassion and sensitivity to other people. Thus "eye for an eye" teaches how we must counter the darkness in London – with compassion, not hate.

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About the Author

Yvette Alt Miller earned her B.A. at Harvard University. She completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Jewish Studies at Oxford University, and has a Ph.D. In International Relations from the London School of Economics. She lives with her family in Chicago, and has lectured internationally on Jewish topics. Her book Angels at the table: a Practical Guide to Celebrating Shabbat takes readers through the rituals of Shabbat and more, explaining the full beautiful spectrum of Jewish traditions with warmth and humor. It has been praised as "life-changing", a modern classic, and used in classes and discussion groups around the world.

The opinions expressed in the comment section are the personal views of the commenters. Comments are moderated, so please keep it civil.

Visitor Comments: 36

(26)
Enyi,
May 31, 2013 9:09 AM

Misrepresentation

May I respectfully correct the impression that the terrorist in question is "Nigerian born". His parents may be of Nigerian origin but he was born and raised in Britain. It was in Britain he converted from Christianity to the Radical Islamism, and as a matter of fact has never set foot in Nigeria.

(25)
Gary Katz,
May 29, 2013 7:37 PM

This terrorist was misguided in more ways than his understanding of "eye for an eye."

(24)
Koluwo Simon Peter Alengai,
May 28, 2013 4:18 AM

Comparison and Expectation equals No Success.

Revenge is a child of Comparision and Expectation, which is an indictation that one does not Love oneself, and if one does not Love oneself, where do you expect one to find the Love for others, the result is Negativity in every thing and no value to life, hence, no respect for life.

(23)
Zorro,
May 27, 2013 9:37 PM

the killer seems to feel justified

What to me seems one of the more bizarre aspects of this savage crime is that the murderer, hands covered in the victim's blood, did not try to flee. Rather he delivered a speech to the video maker justifying his act. Then he seemed to saunter in a very relaxed way off the scene. What was going on in this man's head? And how did the videographer just happen to be there? And wasn't the videographer afraid that this maniac, bloody hands holding a meat cleaver, would do a job on him? Perhaps the video maker was in league with the killers, and the whole thing was planned as a "lesson" to the world. There's a lot here that needs explaining.

Solomon,
May 28, 2013 10:49 AM

Retribution.

In my mind it is clear that this unthinking individual, a recent convert. was instigated by his Imam [instructor], which is the case of so many such incidents, to kill, The religion preaches this! It does not take much to set off this kind of hatred!

(22)
Rivka,
May 27, 2013 8:26 PM

eye for an eye

FYI: This concept is not of Jewish origin. It is an ancient form of Babylonian law, called Hammurabi's Code. Hammurabi devised this code to bring the rule of law to Babylonian society. In his Code, an eye really meant an eye, a thief would lose a hand, etc. Judaism modified this system into what we know now, a much less extreme form of "Lex Talionis" and a much more sophisticated rule of law, which is utilized by all civil societies.

Shoshana -Jerusalem,
May 28, 2013 7:24 AM

not true

Judaism did not "modify this system". These are the words of Torah that H-shem, G-d, taught Moses at Mt. Sinai.

Andrea,
May 28, 2013 6:20 PM

You got that exactly right, Shoshana. Good reply.

Israel Horowitz,
May 28, 2013 6:49 PM

There is no need to mix and meld.

The fact that the Gemorah [& commentaries} goes past the written word and expands to not MORE than an eye for an eye should not be taken simplistically. That is more so the reason for judges.
The concept is very much Hebraic and just, time frames and origins count not that justice &/or original philosophy can not originate worlds apart without any familiarity.

(21)
LLOYD OESTREICHER,
May 27, 2013 5:30 PM

eye for an eye

THIS IS MURDER OF AN UNARMED SOLIER ON THE STREETS OF LONDON. NO NERCY FOR THE PERPETRATOR.

I GO WITH DRACO AND HAMURRABI.

(20)
Anonymous,
May 27, 2013 3:29 PM

well written

The distortion of Torah in islam, where their prophet M confused everything Torah - names and events- as well as the distortion of Torah in christianity, where Paul was the primary instrument and the creator of a tremendous myth - has spawned dangerous people who use false constructs to justify very real and heinous results. This phrase is distorted like so many others, by people who read what they did not accept and ipso facto is not written for or intended for them. The world someday will know what is true Torah and that I believe will happen when we understand that we have a responsibility to live as we promised -we will do and we will hear- and be His children and as lights of HaShem.

(19)
J.R.,
May 27, 2013 3:57 AM

His ethinic connection not as important as....

you're right Ebenezer... What's important is not the Nigerian connection.... what is important is his connection to radical Islam.

(18)
Anonymous,
May 27, 2013 3:42 AM

No compassion to barbarians

Too much "compassion" to all these terrorists.That's why we have all these tragedies, and how much will be ahead? Give them more welfare from our tax money to make them happier and more bold.Imagine what would be if Jews would commit all those murders and terror?!We would of have Pogroms everywhere!Not a question!Double standards all over the world.Disguasting!We don't have to be"'compassion" -we have to fight with it before it's too late!

(17)
drbill,
May 27, 2013 12:59 AM

Wha'daya expect?

The reader of the Koran soon learns that much of the fabric of the book comes from the misguided reading of the Torah. Mohammed could not read.

(16)
james,
May 26, 2013 11:05 PM

eye for a eye .

ebenezer ! its called home grown terrorist's ! of wich we in england have a good few !!

(15)
Howie Subnick,
May 26, 2013 10:28 PM

An Eye For An Eye

He should be put to death as soon as possible but, as slow as possible! God Bless Us All.

(14)
CThompson,
May 26, 2013 9:43 PM

British Policy

The British government at all levels allow even encourage the radicalization of their Muslim population by all means possible. This will happen again because there is nothing to prevent it and no will on the part of politicians to deal with it. And the population is totally disarmed.

Zorro,
May 27, 2013 9:17 PM

Why does UK Govt encourage it?

CThompson,
But the question is WHY does the British Govt. encourage radicalization of their Muslim population, and "by all means possible"? I think it's a combination of wanting Muslim votes, and fear of the Muslims.

(13)
Anonymous,
May 26, 2013 9:40 PM

I respectfully disagree with the author

"Unthinkable?" We have to quit thinking like that. Muslims have, are, and will continue to butcher us and other non-Muslims until we do something about it.
I wasn't born until decades after the Shoah, but I see the situation as no different, with one exception: the enemy is not hiding. We, as a society, sre I sitting idly by while the terrorize us.

(12)
Anonymous,
May 26, 2013 6:22 PM

response to 'an eye for an eye' topic.

The Jews have been hated by groups of people for centuries, but the Jews don't hate the haters............ever consider that?!

(11)
Anonymous,
May 26, 2013 5:04 PM

A seed from unblessed womb--

Just to look at the bloody hand of that abhorrent monster in East London, is very disgusting. The "eye for an eye" in the way his own society know it, should be applied to him with a long term torture, then let him rotten in prison. May Hashem guide His light towards the woman whose womb is planted with a poisonous seed. Thank you ms. Miller for a topic that truly concerns all of us.

(10)
mgoldberg,
May 26, 2013 4:41 PM

That's your conclusion?!?!

"in the wake of the horrific London attack. For in contrast to the killer’s boast of an "eye for an eye," the true lesson of this phrase is the very opposite: to have more compassion and sensitivity to other people. Thus "eye for an eye" teaches how we must counter the darkness in London – with compassion, not hate."I'm sorry, I think you've doe a fine job correcting the muslim mistatement of an 'eye for an eye'. But you utterly missed the point- Islam, Mohammed- taught that this was the meaning, and that when Mohammed sat with his then 12 yr old bride, and they watched 800-900 jewish men and boys over the age of 12 get their heads cut off, it wasn't because Mohammed make a few errors in judegement. He called for the terrorizing of all kaffirs, especially the hated jews for whom the final 'peace' would mean the world totally ruled onl y muslims, and all jews killed or submitted.The killers didn't get it 'wrong'. The3y got it exactly as Islam teaches. This is the meaning of Jihad. This is the holiness for them of slauthering all those who they perceive as standing in the way of Islam.It is wonderful to be kind. Do you think you should be kind to Hitler??? Do you think someone coming to slaughter and who teaches others to slaughter all others should be treated 'kindly'??You missed the message. But you feel your way is 'better'. It is of course. But you missed the point of what to do about slaughterers and that which creates them.

Daniela,
May 26, 2013 6:43 PM

I have to agree

The Koran does indeed teach that "an eye for an eye" is literal. It does not recognize our oral law any more than the Church ever did, so why should understand it the way we do?

Also, "Ayin Tahat Ayin" is a call for equality under the law. It means that a rich person's eye is equal to a poor person's eye; a man's eye is equal to a woman's eye; a child's eye is equal to an adult's eye. No one is above anyone else in the eyes of the law.

Dvirah,
June 21, 2013 4:08 PM

One More Point

Also, the Torah repeats the "tahat" for both eye and tooth to emphasize that we should not exaggerate the damage. A lost tooth is is less damaging than a lost eye and the compensation should be arranged accourdingly. Now that's justiice!

(8)
micha,
May 26, 2013 4:14 PM

Why would he quote the Torah?

The killer y"sh was quoting his own holy book -- the Qur'an 2:178, 5:45. It is the latter which quotes the Torah litterally. Not understanding that "tachas" connotes payment, Mohamed -- not this killer -- got it wrong.

(7)
ebenezer odeyemi,
May 26, 2013 3:50 PM

The beheading was done by a British citizen an not a Nigerian as speculated, his name does not confirm his nationality. This lunatic was born in the United Kingdom, never been to Nigeria, issued a birth certificate in the UK and held a British passport. Suddenly is he now a Nigerian? The British born Michael 'Mujahid' Adeboloja with an accomplice beheaded a British Soldier on a street in Woolwich, London. Because he is not Gabriel Agbonlahor playing for Aston Villa and Three Lions, or Andrew Osagie, UK's reigning 800m champion, or Lawrence Okoye, British Discus Record Holder (68.24m), or Abiodun oyepitan, British Olympic Silver and Gold Medalist, or Christine Ohuruogu, Beijing Olympic British Gold Medalist, or Eniola Aluko, British Olympic Female Football star, or Temi Fagbenle British Olympic Basketball queen, or several other thousands of British citizens with Nigerian connection who are making the country proud, it is being made to look like Nigeria has "shown itself again" in the action of that British boy who beheaded a soldier. Nigeria should just be left out of this. What d british boy did is barbaric.

Anonymous,
May 27, 2013 2:35 AM

Why only Nigerian sports

Would have been nice if you had added other achievements of the British Nigerians to the list of accomplishments.. You make it seem as though sports is thier biggest or only accomplishments. It takes lots more to make a great country, after all sports are just games for goodness sake. Surely if they are British born there should be greater fields open to them, is that all there is for them?

Anonymous,
May 27, 2013 9:26 PM

British, Muslim?

Ebenezer, you stress that he is not Nigerian. Okay, but you say he is British. If it's irrelevant where his ancestors came from (and I agree with you), it's also irrelevent where he was born and what citizenship he holds. He did not commit the horrendous crime in the name of the U.S., he did it in the name of Islam. So the most accurate description of the savage criminal is Muslim.

(6)
Anonymous,
May 25, 2013 8:03 AM

Thank you

Thank you for explaining the "eye-for-an -eye" passage.Although most thinking individuals will sense that there is more to the passage than the literal meaning, there is always a danger that there always will be unintelligent , manipulative fanatics will use any passage like this to justify their crime.

(5)
Julie,
May 24, 2013 1:03 PM

G-d is Great

On the one hand, these monsters are professing to believe that "G-d is Great", yet on the other hand they are saying to the world, "We will take matters into our own hands, nevermind what G-d thinks." I think they are just using Islam and the concept of jihad to fulfill their baser urges, to take their aggressions out on innocent people. They claim to believe IN something but they are so pre-occupied being AGAINST, does anyone really know what they really are FOR anymore?

(4)
comment,
May 23, 2013 9:51 PM

When a person is brought up in power religions such as Christianity and Mustafianity then things like these are to be expected. It is part of the course. There is a continual emphasis on telling others about religion from their own perspective from whom they have learned it from i.e.the opinions of scholars. In the Torah the reader may feel that they are on a continual war. This perspective may not be suitable for a civilised landed society. The Torah has much knowledge of other things apart from the blood sweat and tears. This can be overlooked.

If one is brought up in a comfortable civilised environment with education, wealth, comfort, love of family and friends, certainty of the next moment and next day then these can become tiresome and one wants something else to jolt one. Fear, flight and fight are a common route. If the society around also tolerates all manner of cult habits and itself is enriched and is mildly adherent to these things then not much is left to be said save that it would be not in character to renege on commitments made.

Rehabilitation is available for cessation of certain unhealthy habits that are harmful to the addict and they can find new things out about themselves and what they like and don't with a whole range of choice. These of course should be pleasurable and are also acceptable by society.

(3)
Jane,
May 23, 2013 7:07 PM

The attackers were motivated by Islam not Christianity

It's time this site recognised that Mohammed was a false prophet who had similar views to Hitler

(2)
Richard,
May 23, 2013 2:08 PM

Another guide?

This is an interesting rendering. The passage has always called out to me as a limitation- a command that I am prohibited from exacting terrible recompense that does not match the crime, rather than license to attack until my anger has been quenched.

(1)
Maureen,
May 23, 2013 2:04 PM

Thoughtful article beautifully written

I always enjoy Dr. Miller's articles : they provide a thoughtful reasoned response to the issues she addresses

I want to know about the concept of "sin" due to Adam and Eve eating from the Tree of Knowledge. The Christian concept of sin revolves around the fall of the man and the "original sin." Does Judaism view it the same way?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Adam and Eve were punished according to their actions. In other words, God laid down the conditions for Adam and Eve to live in the garden, provided they would not eat from the Tree of Knowledge. However, if they were to eat from that tree they would be punished by experiencing death. (If they had not eaten from the tree, they would have remained immortal.)

This sets down the basic principle in Judaism of Reward and Punishment. Basic to this is that every person has the choice of doing good or bad. When a person chooses "good" – as defined by God – he is able to draw close to God. In other words, every individual has a chance to "gain salvation" through his own actions.

My understanding of Christianity, however, is that the Original Sin has infected all of mankind to the point where individuals are incapable of achieving salvation through their own initiative. Man is "totally depraved" and therefore his only hope of salvation is through the cross.

This belief is contrary to the teachings of Judaism. From the Torah perspective, an individual does not need to rely on anyone else to atone for them. In Judaism, sins can be "erased" altogether by sincere repentance and a firm resolution never to repeat the mistakes.

For more on this, read "Their Hollow Inheritances" by Michael Drazin – www.drazin.com

Yahrtzeit of Moses in 1273 BCE (Jewish year 2488), on the same day of his birth 120 years earlier. (Consequently, "May you live to 120" has become a common Jewish blessing.) Moses was born in Egypt at a time when Pharaoh had decreed that all Jewish baby boys be drowned in the Nile River. His mother set him afloat in a reed basket, where he was -- most ironically -- discovered by Pharaoh's daughter and brought to Pharaoh's palace to be raised. When Moses matured, his heart turned to aid the Jewish people; he killed an Egyptian who was beating a Jew, and he fled to Midian where he married and had two sons. God spoke to Moses at the Burning Bush, instructing him to return to Egypt and persuade Pharaoh to "let My people go." Moses led the Jews through the ten plagues, the Exodus, and the splitting of the Red Sea. Seven weeks later, the Jews arrived at Mount Sinai and received the Torah, the only time in human history that an entire nation experienced Divine revelation. Over the next 40 years, Moses led the Jews through wanderings in the desert, and supervised construction of the Tabernacle. Moses died before being allowed to enter the promised Land of Israel. He is regarded as the greatest prophet of all time.

Lack of gratitude is at the root of discontent. In order to be consistently serene, we must master the attribute of being grateful to the Creator for all His gifts. As the Torah (Deuteronomy 26:11) states, "Rejoice with all the good the Almighty has given you." This does not negate our wanting more. But it does mean that we have a constant feeling of gratitude since as long as we are alive, we always have a list of things for which to be grateful.

[Just before Moses' death] God said to him, "This is the Land that I promised to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob" (Deuteronomy 34:4).

The Midrash says that Moses pleaded to live long enough to be able to enter the Promised Land. He surrendered his soul only after God instructed him to enter Heaven and inform the Patriarchs that the Israelites had come to their Land and that God had indeed fulfilled His promise to give the Land of Israel to their descendants. To fulfill God's will was dearer to Moses than his craving to enter the Land.

It is only natural to cling to life, and the thought of leaving this world is depressing. However, if a person develops the attitude that he lives only in order to fulfill God's will, then life and death are no longer polar opposites, because he lives to do the will of God, and when that will requires that he leave this world, he will be equally obedient.

The seventh day of Adar is the anniversary of Moses' death. He wanted to enter the Promised Land so that he could fulfill the commandments and thereby have a new opportunity to fulfill the Divine wish. He surrendered his soul willingly when he was told that there was a special commandment for him to perform, one that could only be achieved after leaving this earth.

We refer to Moses as Rabbeinu, our teacher. He not only taught us didactically, but by means of everything he did in his life - and by his death, as well.

Today I shall...

try to dedicate my life to fulfilling the will of God, so that even when that will contradicts my personal desires, I can accept it with serenity.

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